Predator compensation claims on the rise

Conservation efforts have led to an increase in the number of some species of carnivores. While this is good news from a land management and habitat perspective, the flip side is not so positive for ranchers who continue to have issues with livestock loss to predation. Since 1997, the Alberta Conservation Association has run the predator compensation program, and by extention, this program has been funded by the angling and hunting community.

Video story

As costs continue to rise, the big question is where will the funds to compensate ranchers come from?

Todd Zimmerling, Alberta Conservation Association President comments in the video clip on the compensation program and budget management options

Changes were made to Alberta’s predator compensation program three years ago with the federal government contributing 48%. The ranching community has also taken steps to reduce the risk of livestock loss. That brings us to the really big question — the acceptance of hunting predators as a management requirement.

At this point, Alberta Agriculture has not responded to whether it plans to contribute towards the Livestock compensation program. We will keep you posted.

Predator hunting in Alberta may need to increase as part of overall habitat management dispite recent public criticism in the media and on social platforms